Question

In maize, a meiocyte has 20 chromosomes. What will be the number of chromosomes in its somatic cell?

• A. 40
• B. 30
• C. 20
• D. 10

Answer 1

The correct option is C 20

Somatic cells are the cells other than the reproductive cells and have two sets of chromosomes. Whereas, meiocytes are specialized cells, also known as gamete mother cells, that undergo meiosis to produce gametes. These diploid meiocytes (2n) divides into four haploid gametes (n), incorporating a single set of chromosomes into each cell. This ultimately results in the formation of four haploid gametes (n).
Hence, in maize, the chromosome number in the diploid meiocytes (2n) is 20. The gametes or the reproductive cells (n) have 10 chromosomes. Since a somatic cell is diploid (2n) has chromosomes from two sets of gametes inherited from each parent, the total number of chromosomes in a somatic cell is 20.